POWER IN UNITY

I recently experienced the “Worlds 2025” finals in Chengdu, China. It’s an annual gaming event for League of Legends (an online battle arena video game), with the finals being held in a different city each year. The charged atmosphere made the event truly memorable, also giving me the opportunity to see both celebrities and professional players in the flesh. The event had gathered people from all walks of life, and everyone was present in good spirits. Even if they were there to support one of the two finalists, there would be genuine applause for both teams when a good play was made.

Further reflecting on the event, I found it was amazing how everyone was able to be fully immersed in the moment. Indeed, language barriers were trivial, age gaps were irrelevant, and nationalities were merely labels. Every individual present had set aside their differences and were united in purpose – To enjoy and celebrate the occasion with a common love for the game.

In a world that constantly pulls us in different directions, there is profound power in unity. As followers of Christ, we are not meant to walk this journey alone or pursue isolated agendas. We are called to be one body, united in purpose – Working together for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:2 to “...be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." This isn't a call to uniformity where we all think and act identically, but rather a call to unity. This is where our hearts beat together toward the same glorious goal – Knowing Christ and making Him known.

Consider the early Church in Acts 2. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer. They shared everything they had, meeting each other’s needs with generous hearts. The result? The Lord added to their number daily. When God's people unite in purpose, His providence is demonstrated in extraordinary ways.

Unity doesn't happen accidentally. It requires intentionality, humility, and sacrifice. It means setting aside personal preferences for the greater good. It means celebrating when others are honoured, weeping when others suffer, and recognising that their victories are your victories, their struggles are your struggles. When one part of the body hurts, we all hurt. When one part rejoices, we all rejoice. Drawing a parallel to my “Worlds 2025” experience, every individual present had taken time from their schedules to be there, sharing all the emotional highs and the lows of the event together. Indeed, the power of being united in purpose should not be underestimated.

Think about what the Church could accomplish if we truly lived this out. Imagine the impact we could have on our communities, our nation, and our world. Each of us brings unique talents and perspectives, but they're all meant to serve the same mission – Advancing God's kingdom and drawing people into relationship with Him.

Jesus prayed in John 17 that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world would believe. Our unity is not just for our benefit – It is also our witness to a fractured world desperately searching for hope and belonging.

Today, I encourage us to examine our own hearts. How are we cultivating unity within our Church family? Are we supporting our brothers and sisters in their works? Are we laying down our agendas to embrace God's greater purpose? Are we quick to forgive, eager to serve, and willing to prefer others above ourselves?

The work for Christians is too important, too urgent, and too magnificent to waste our energy on division and self-interest. Let us lock arms together, fix our eyes on Jesus, and move forward as one body with one purpose – To glorify God and see His Word transform lives.

As I reflect on the atmosphere and “power in numbers” experienced at “Worlds 2025”, I am assured of the power in unity. When we stand united in purpose, we become an unstoppable force for good, a beacon of hope, and a true reflection of Christ's love to the world.

Ask Yourself:

1. From the early Church in Acts, what are some examples of unity in action?

2. What are some practical examples of “power in unity” that you can think of?

3. What are some ways we can work towards unity in the Church? How do we utilise this unity effectively?

Suggested Answers:

1. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to fellowship, to breaking bread, and to prayer

2 / 3. NA – Personal reflection ☺ (open for discussion with writer or other brethren)